MuTerra-kindle (15 page)

“It was awesome. Just to breathe real air again, not this humid musty crap we live in,” Keith said.

“Yeah, well I don’t think we could breathe it all that long, so this will have to do.” He looked down at the console outside the door. “Everything looks normal,” he said as he entered the code that released the seal on the room. “Really, what is it like out there now?” he asked walking over to Keith.

“It’s different. The mountain is the same, but everything else is different. The sun was hidden by the clouds; there was virtually no water to be found nearby and very little plant life; no birds, no animals, and no people. It looked the same for a far as the eye could see, but my view was limited in direction by the surrounding foothills.”

“They say there are MuTerra out there,” Lucas said in a muted voice.

Before Keith could take exception to the comment and remind Lucas that the word for them was people, he realized no harm was meant by the term. The word had obviously taken hold and he did not think he would be able to change that now. “I didn’t see anyone or anything; there were no tracks or signs of life. But like I said, I only saw a small part of it. I’ll being going out again, and further afield I’m sure,” he said as he finished dressing.

―

When they returned to the office, Keith’s father was there along with Dr. Maddow and Jim Forrest. Lucas was also invited to stay for the debriefing since he was a part of the team now. Keith gave as complete and accurate a narrative as
possible. Even so, the questioning seemed relentless. He knew that some of this was to satisfy a vicarious experience, the rest was for future planning. Dr. Maddow, not surprisingly, had more questions than the rest. Most he could answer, some he could not.

The determination was made that a team of research assistants would be assembled immediately. And, that Keith would be going out again soon. When their meeting was over, Dr. Maddow left to examine the contents he had brought back, Lucas returned to his duties, and his father dismissed Jim Forrest by stating he would like some time alone with his son. “How are you feeling,” Frank Bishop asked.

“Great. Whatever the doc did, worked.”

“Good. That is why this is so important Keith. If we are going to start over, people need the same protection you have. To obtain that, we need to give Martin what he needs.”

“I understand Dad.”

“The next time you go out, plan for several days. In addition to any samples Martin may want, I also want you to begin to map the surrounding area. Do the best you can and we can use the computers to refine it when you get back. You’ll be supplied with a recording device you can wear around your head. That way, we can see what it is we are dealing with. It should provide about six hours of recording time. Turn it on and off as necessary to complete as full a picture as you can. We’ll get you a portable shelter and anything else you think you will need.”

“Alright Dad, I’ll need to take care of a few things at the office before I go.”

“Think about your replacement too. It is likely that you will be spending more time outside and less at your desk.”

That announcement surprised Keith as he had become accustomed to both his job and his men. But he understood that change was coming.

   ─

 “Can I get you something to drink Jim,” Frank Bishop asked his longtime friend and senior aide.

“Sure. I’ll have a little of whatever you are having,” he replied.

“Have a seat,” Frank Bishop said as he went to fix their drinks. When he came back into the living room of his apartment, he handed one drink to his friend, and carried the other one to his seat. It was a moment before either one spoke.

“Nice,” his friend said after taking a sip.

“Jim, it’s time we started making preparations to leave. To begin with, we’ll need to build a staging area outside the mountain where we can establish a foothold into our future,” Bishop said.

“Is it safe to go out yet? I know Keith just took a short trip out, but I thought the radiation levels were still beyond the protection capacity of the Demron suit for any sustained length of time?”

“There are other sources of protection, some of which are on a need-to-know basis.”

“I’m not in a position of need-to-know?” he asked in an agitated tone.

“That depends,” Bishop went on ignoring the retort, “on whether or not you would be willing to be the one to take charge of this next stage. You would be in complete control of pioneering
man’s journey into the new world.”

“You make it sound as if it is an adventure, when it may in reality be a disaster.”

While he was not used to being talked to this way by his subordinates, he indulged his friend to maintain the appearance of Jim being his peer. He also knew how he would feel if the positions were reversed. Jim was no fool, nor did he want one for this undertaking. “If you think I want you to try something that hasn’t been thought through, and planned for, then you are mistaken. It would be a waste of time, manpower, and material to undertake something this significant if we were not ready.” He paused as he took a sip from his glass, “If I told you that the elements would not be an issue, would you feel differently?”

“If you could prove it, then I would.”

Frank Bishop smiled appreciating the candor. “I’ll set up a time for you to meet with Martin. He will be able to alleviate your concerns on this matter. That is, if you are willing to accept the responsibility?”

Jim sat there with any number of thoughts coursing through his mind. He knew his former boss was not a risk taker, at least not on a long shot, but this entire conversation caught him by surprise. He wanted time to think. “Let me see what Martin has to say. I’d also like some time to think it over.”

“Fair enough, I’ll call Martin in the morning and have him schedule a time to meet with you.”

─

“What do you think?” Dr. Maddow asked Frank Bishop on the following day when they were alone.

“I’d say we are ahead of schedule.”

“Yes,” the doctor agreed, “I’ll still be happier when your son is successful in finding what I need.”

“If they are out there, I’m sure he’ll find them.”

“They are. Those creatures are virtually indestructible.”

“It seems he is doing quite well and in a short period of time,” Frank Bishop said in regards to his son.

“Much better than we did. He went through the procedure at a younger age.”

“That and the additional steps you’ve taken,” Bishop added.

“Yes. It worked better than I had hoped. Every stem cell transplant was effective, every chemical enhancement was also not only effective, but sustainable due to the regenerative properties of the planarian genetic material administered to his bone marrow. His body is a self-sustaining and repairing machine.”

“He will serve his purpose,” Bishop said.

“And Jim?”

Frank looked at his friend, “I gather he was less than enthusiastic at his prospect of being the avant-garde of this expedition?”

“Actually, once I assured him of the precautions we were taking, and recognizing that your son had already made a successful and safe trip, he was quite eager. Fear of the unknown isn’t as bad when someone explains it in terms you can relate to. Few people understand the differences between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and what can be done to prevent and treat the symptoms they cause.”

“And what can we do for them?”

“First, we will need to send one physician along with the team. He will have potassium iodide and glutathione to administer as necessary. They will have a special diet of dried algae, beans, lentils, and other dried vegetables we have set aside for them. They will take daily supplements of spirulina and multi-mineral support,” he paused and looked his friend in the eye, “I really think they will be fine. They may not live as long as they would otherwise, but I don’t really think it will take that many years off of their lives.”

Frank Bishop nodded in acceptance. “I also told Jim he would be able to return periodically to provide us with briefings. I thought that was necessary to instill trust,” Bishop said.

“We should be able to deal with the decontamination, but I’ll want to limit his exposure to any others inside,” Maddow replied.

Bishop shook his head in agreement and said, “I think it’s time we go public.”

—

The internal broadcast and radio stations had repeatedly delivered a message, advising people to listen for an important bulletin to be delivered just prior to the finish of the first work shift on the following day. Because they operated in three separate shifts, and it would be more than twenty-four hours before they would know what the announcement was, this prompted speculation and rumors to run wild. It was once said that there was ‘nothing new under the sun.’ The monotony experienced underground made that statement even more profound. When the time came, all eyes, and ears, were waiting in anticipation.   

The broadcast channels went silent from their regular programming, and remained that way for a short time while they were all tuned into the same frequency. Soon after, for those who were watching through video monitors, the image of Frank Bishop entered the screen. He looked directly into the camera, and began, “I am aware of the excitement and talk generated as a result of this announcement. I can now assure you that some of the more creative rumors will be put to rest.” There was the expected laughter from those who were in the studio with him, and throughout the facility. “We are finally starting our ascent,” He said getting to the point, “To date, we have had one successful exit and return from the mountain.” Even though he did not turn to see the expressions on the people near him, he did not have to. He knew everyone was paying close attention now.

“We are looking for volunteers to begin the next phase of our lives. We are building a staging area just outside the mountain. Every precaution in regards to personal health and well-being is being employed. Jim Forrest, whom you all know, will be in charge of the operation on that side. We are looking for volunteers who have construction and engineering skills. It is not just a matter of putting up structures, but of building an infrastructure that will allow us to finally leave our underground home.”

After the initial shock of the announcement, cheers could be heard throughout the complex. They did not get any of the details, but the fact that it was beginning was a cause for celebration. People started slapping each other on the back while others embraced. The thought of returning to a life they once had was enough to disrupt most of the activities for the remainder of that day.

—

For some, living underground for such a longtime, and the loss they suffered from the catastrophe, was more than they could handle mentally. It was a sad fact among those who were their friends, and even sadder still for those who were their close companions. There was hope among them that they would return to normal once they too made it back outside. It was believed that they had been kept in a special ward in the dispensary. And in fact, they had been for a period of time. During this time, visitation was allowed, although it was controlled. Once it was determined to be no longer expedient to their goals and resources, the board of directors ordered their expulsion, simply informing their family and friends that visitation was no longer possible. Many protested, but the complaints were ignored. Others were somewhat relieved at being released from the burden of seeing their loved ones reduced to madness.

The only other person, who knew this had taken place, was the one who carried it out, Trent Gibbs. While he worked for Keith Bishop in the manner of routine, he also was tasked by Keith’s father for duties he knew could only be entrusted to one such as him.

While Frank Bishop and Dr. Maddow were building a society based on idealism, they knew it was still necessary to have the services of the ruthless and cunning; services they controlled to further their vision of the future. Trent Gibbs was true to his word in not trying to circumvent Keith’s authority, and did what he was asked without question. He was also true to himself. He would carve out his own position in this new world, and he would write the script. While he followed his orders willingly now, in time, he knew there would be opportunities that he could take advantage of to further his own interests.

─

They met in their apartment shortly after the announcement by his father. When he walked through the door, Terri was waiting for him standing with an unreadable expression on her face. “It was you,” she said accusingly.

“It was me what?” he replied not understanding what she was talking about.

“You were the one who went outside,” she said.

He looked at her for a moment before speaking, “Yes it was.”

“Those trips in search of another underground base?”

“No. I mean yes. That was the cover,” he said meekly. He knew she would be hurt, but she was still standing there without any expression. For the first time in their marriage, he did not know what she was thinking.

“I’m sorry honey. I told Dad that I didn’t want to hide this from you. He said he couldn’t take the risk of any information leaking before its time. He also assured me it wouldn’t be kept secret for long. If it wasn’t me, it would have been someone else.”

“But it was you, and something could have happened to you, and I wouldn’t have known what or why,” she challenged.

He was not thinking about it the same way she was. She was more hurt with concern, rather than by any deception.

“I’m sorry,” was all he could say.

She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She leaned back and looked him in the eyes, then moved forward and kissed him tenderly on the lips. “I know how it is with your secret military ‘hush, hush’ stuff. But this…..it’s just different.”

“I know,” Keith said.

She pulled away from their embrace, “What is it like?”

He looked at her realizing his fears could now be put to rest. She was not going to hold a grudge. “It’s desolate. It doesn’t look like it did before. There is no city, no buildings, few trees nearby, and no animal life that I saw. The sky is gray and cloudy, but the air was fresh. I had forgotten what it was like to breath air like that.”